The Manchester United defender Fabio da Silva has signed a season-long loan with Queens Park Rangers. The Brazilian full-back, who can play on either side of the back four, has played 53 first-team matches for United but has rarely been a first-choice starter.

Fabio joined United from Fluminense alongside his twin brother Rafael – who has signed a new four-year deal at Old Trafford – in August 2008. The 21-year-old's arrival has been praised by the QPR manager, Mark Hughes, who said: "It's a great opportunity for us to loan a good, young player who has decent experience of playing for a top club like Manchester United.

"He's played a lot of senior games for United, so it shows the quality he's got. I know they think very highly of him and we believe he has all the attributes to be a success here next season.

"First and foremost, he's a good defender. He's got great enthusiasm as well, and just like his brother, he's a top professional. We can give him the games he's craving at this stage of his career, so it benefits everybody."